As treaties and trade agreements are implemented this year, more U.S. companies are looking at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations for fresh business opportunities. Fortunately, a whole host of logistics and transportation service providers are laying the groundwork to overcome inherent infrastructure challenges.

Today, U.S. trucking companies face more regulations than any time in history—and they claim this “regulatory tsunami” is putting the clamp on U.S. productivity. During this session shippers will gain a better understanding of the current state of trucking regulations (HOS & CSA) and the impact they're having on capacity and rates.

When the Justice Department joined six states and the District of Columbia in a lawsuit yesterday to block the proposed merger of American Airlines and US Airways, shippers may have good reason to feel ambivalent.

On the one hand, shippers may be relieved that less consolidation will provide them with more route options. But at the same time, we have to be concerned with the sustainability of both carriers in the deal.”

Indeed, American Airlines had planned to emerge from bankruptcy in the next few weeks before teaming with US Airways and take on its larger competitors. Meanwhile, both airlines plan to fight the lawsuit.

Should the proposed merger eventually prevail, it would mean the creation of the world’s largest airline, making 70% of the U.S. market dependent on US Airways-American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Delta Airlines.

The European Commission and the judge overseeing the bankruptcy proceedings of AMR Corp. – the parent company of American Airlines – had already given the green light to the deal before the Justice Department weighed in with its objection.

About the Author

Patrick BurnsonExecutive Editor

Patrick Burnson is executive editor for Logistics Management and Supply Chain Management Review magazines and web sites. Patrick is a widely-published writer and editor who has spent most of his career covering international trade, global logistics, and supply chain management. He lives and works in San Francisco, providing readers with a Pacific Rim perspective on industry trends and forecasts. You can reach him directly at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

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